Evangelical

Evangelical is a term used to describe a broad group of Christians who emphasize the authority of the Bible, the importance of personal conversion, and the need to share the Gospel with others, as seen in the ministries of Billy Graham, John Stott, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Evangelicals can be found in many different Christian denominations, including Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, Presbyterian Church in America, and the Assemblies of God. The term "evangelical" is often associated with conservative Christianity, and evangelicals have been influenced by the teachings of John Calvin, Martin Luther, and Jonathan Edwards. Evangelicals have also been involved in various Christian movements, such as the Jesus Movement and the Charismatic Movement, which have been shaped by the ministries of Francis Schaeffer, Chuck Smith, and John Wimber.

Definition and Terminology

The term "evangelical" comes from the Greek word "euangelion," which means "good news" or "gospel," as seen in the writings of Aristides of Athens and Justin Martyr. Evangelicals believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that it is the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice, as taught by Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and John Wesley. They also emphasize the importance of personal conversion, which involves repenting of sin and placing one's faith in Jesus Christ, as experienced by Charles Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, and Billy Sunday. Evangelicals have been influenced by the teachings of Puritans, such as John Owen and Richard Sibbes, and have been shaped by the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, which involved key figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ignatius of Loyola.

History of Evangelicalism

The history of evangelicalism is complex and multifaceted, involving the contributions of many different Christian denominations and Christian movements, such as the Anabaptists, Pietism, and the Great Awakening, which was led by Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley. The Reformation of the 16th century, led by Martin Luther and John Calvin, laid the groundwork for the development of evangelicalism, as seen in the Protestant Reformation and the English Reformation, which involved key figures like Henry VIII of England, Thomas Cranmer, and John Knox. The Puritan movement of the 17th century, which emphasized the importance of personal piety and Bible study, also played a significant role in shaping evangelicalism, as seen in the writings of John Owen, Richard Sibbes, and John Bunyan. The Great Awakening of the 18th century, which was led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, was a significant event in the history of evangelicalism, as it emphasized the importance of personal conversion and evangelism, and involved key figures like Charles Finney, Dwight L. Moody, and Billy Sunday.

Theology and Doctrine

Evangelical theology is characterized by a strong emphasis on the authority of the Bible, the importance of personal conversion, and the need to share the Gospel with others, as seen in the ministries of Billy Graham, John Stott, and Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Evangelicals believe in the Trinity, which consists of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as taught by Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, and John Calvin. They also believe in the deity of Christ, the virgin birth of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus, as affirmed by the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, which were formulated by early Christian councils, such as the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Constantinople. Evangelicals have been influenced by the teachings of Reformed theology, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of predestination, as seen in the writings of John Calvin, John Owen, and Jonathan Edwards.

Evangelical Movements and Denominations

There are many different evangelical movements and denominations, each with its own unique history and theology, such as the Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Pentecostals, which have been shaped by the ministries of Charles Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, and Billy Sunday. The Southern Baptist Convention is one of the largest evangelical denominations in the world, with over 15 million members, and has been influenced by the teachings of John Dagg, James P. Boyce, and W.A. Criswell. The Presbyterian Church in America is another significant evangelical denomination, with over 300,000 members, and has been shaped by the ministries of John Calvin, John Knox, and J. Gresham Machen. The Assemblies of God is a large Pentecostal denomination, with over 3 million members, and has been influenced by the teachings of Charles Parham, William J. Seymour, and David du Plessis.

Evangelicalism Around the World

Evangelicalism is a global phenomenon, with evangelicals found in almost every country in the world, from United States to China, India, and Brazil, and involving key figures like Watchman Nee, Wang Ming-Dao, and Isobel Kuhn. In Africa, evangelicalism has been shaped by the ministries of David Livingstone, Albert Schweitzer, and Desmond Tutu, and has involved the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Church of the Province of South Africa. In Asia, evangelicalism has been influenced by the teachings of Watchman Nee, Wang Ming-Dao, and Isobel Kuhn, and has involved the China Inland Mission and the Overseas Missionary Fellowship. In Latin America, evangelicalism has been shaped by the ministries of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and Elizabeth Elliot, and has involved the Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of Linguistics.

Criticisms and Controversies

Evangelicalism has been the subject of various criticisms and controversies, including concerns about its relationship to politics and social justice, as seen in the ministries of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson. Some have criticized evangelicals for their emphasis on personal conversion and their lack of engagement with social issues, such as poverty and racism, as argued by Jim Wallis and Tony Campolo. Others have criticized evangelicals for their views on homosexuality and abortion, which are seen as being out of step with the values of modern society, as debated by Charles Colson and Francis Schaeffer. Despite these criticisms, evangelicalism remains a significant and influential force in Christianity today, with millions of adherents around the world, and involving key figures like Rick Warren, Timothy Keller, and John Piper. Category:Christian denominations